Obasanjo: Stella visited Vatican City to secure my release from prison

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has recounted the role his late wife, Stella Obasanjo, played to secure his release from prison.

In 1995, Obasanjo was arrested and convicted by the late Sani Abacha-led military regime for his alleged involvement in a planned coup.

A four years in detention, Obasanjo was released in 1998 by Abdulsalam Abubakar, after Abacha’s death.

During his time in prison, Stella was an active voice demanding for her husband’s release.

She died on October 23, 2005, while undergoing a liposuction surgery.

Speaking on Friday at the inauguration of the 250 bed space Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin, the Edo state capital, the former president said his late wife travelled to the Vatican city and other parts of the world to ensure his release.

“My late wife went everywhere to ensure that I came out of prison alive. She was in Vatican City, France, and other parts of the world,” Obasanjo said.

“We were planning for her 68th birthday anniversary but never had it before she died. It was very painful for me in particular and for all of us in my family.

“So you can appreciate how thankful I am to you for doing this in her honour.”

He thanked the Edo state government for honouring his late wife “who made tremendous contributions to my achievements in public life”.

Obasanjo praised Godwin Obaseki, the governor of the state for “starting and finishing well”.

“I have worked in the past with the likes of John Oyegun; he was a fantastic permanent secretary. I reminded him recently of some of the things that he practised on me and the ones I practised on him,” Obasanjo added.

“With this hospital, you’re assured of first class treatment for any ailment. More grace to the elbows of the governor. With this kind of edifice, I can say that the governor started well and is finishing well.”